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West Ham transfer rumours: Jonjo Shelvey and Marouane Fellaini January options

By Scott Johnson

NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 30: Jonjo Shelvey of Newcastle United in action during the Premier League match between Newcastle United and Brighton and Hove Albion at St. James Park on December 30, 2017 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. (Photo by Mark Runnacles/Getty Images)
NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 30: Jonjo Shelvey of Newcastle United in action during the Premier League match between Newcastle United and Brighton and Hove Albion at St. James Park on December 30, 2017 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. (Photo by Mark Runnacles/Getty Images) /
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As with every January, West Ham are looking to strengthen. This year, the central midfield is the big area of focus.

There isn’t a Premier League team, with maybe the exception of Manchester City, who can’t be strengthened in January. The issue is picking the right players to sign. West Ham have to be clever and make sure they get the right players.

In the past few seasons the January recruitment has been…questionable. Given the Hammers are struggling just above the relegation zone that’s not really what we want this year. The central midfield has been all over the place, and reinforcements are needed.

Marouane Fellaini

If you believe the transfer rumours that come every window, we’ve been after the Belgian a while. He is not a massive star in the Manchester United side, but he would certainly improve the current Hammers XI. He is a combatant player, but he can also add to the side from the back to the front.

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One of the big things this window is we now have David Moyes. Moyes and Fellaini have a history back to Everton, and the Scotsman bought him along to United at the earliest opportunity. Given the close relationship, it’s a big thing that could well boost our chance of signing him. However money may be a big issue.

Manchester United may be willing to let the Belgian go, but it won’t be cheap for the Hammers. Even if we get him for a fee of around 10m or under, his wages are an issue. He is reportedly on over 100k a week at United, and there is no way we will match it. He will have to take a massive paycut to join, and it remains to be seen if he will do that.

Jonjo Shelvey

This is a very interesting potential move, and it’s got real potential. Shelvey is a West Ham fan, not getting into the Newcastle side at present and could be the man to help in the midfield. The Magpies are also looking at him going, but are waiting for a replacement.

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ExWhuEmployee, on his weekly radio show, confirmed that the Hammers are very interested. Given we have had very little assistance from the middle of the side, Shelvey could be a dynamic yet hard working addition. However there are issues with both his consistency, and his temperament. A man who gets regular cards isn’t the most helpful man to have as a squad addition.

However, if Newcastle can get a replacement, they are likely to be open to the deal. If it can be done at a reasonable price it could be a great deal. He has the potential to turn games, but he must learn to keep his head.

Let us know who you’d pick in the tweet above!

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